1 Samuel 30:8
New International Version
and David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” he answered. “You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.”

New Living Translation
Then David asked the LORD, “Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?” And the LORD told him, “Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you!”

English Standard Version
And David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.”

Berean Standard Bible
and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.”

King James Bible
And David inquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.

New King James Version
So David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.

New American Standard Bible
And David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I pursue this band of raiders? Will I overtake them?” And He said to him, “Pursue, for you will certainly overtake them, and you will certainly rescue everyone.

NASB 1995
David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I pursue this band? Shall I overtake them?” And He said to him, “Pursue, for you will surely overtake them, and you will surely rescue all.”

NASB 1977
And David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I pursue this band? Shall I overtake them?” And He said to him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them, and you shall surely rescue all.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And David asked of Yahweh, saying, “Shall I pursue this band? Shall I overtake them?” And He said to him, “Pursue, for you will surely overtake them, and you will surely deliver all.”

Amplified Bible
David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I pursue this band [of raiders]? Will I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you will certainly overtake them, and you will certainly rescue [the captives].”

Christian Standard Bible
and David asked the LORD, “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them? ” The LORD replied to him, “Pursue them, for you will certainly overtake them and rescue the people.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and David asked the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” The LORD replied to him, “Pursue them, for you will certainly overtake them and rescue the people.”

American Standard Version
And David inquired of Jehovah, saying, If I pursue after this troop, shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue; for thou shalt surely overtake them, and shalt without fail recover all.

Contemporary English Version
Then David asked the LORD, "Should I go after the people who raided our town? Can I catch up with them?" "Go after them," the LORD answered. "You will catch up with them, and you will rescue your families."

English Revised Version
And David inquired of the LORD, saying, If I pursue after this troop, shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and shalt without fail recover all.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then David asked the LORD, "Should I pursue these troops? Will I catch up with them?" "Pursue them," the LORD told him. "You will certainly catch up with them and rescue the captives."

Good News Translation
David asked the LORD, "Shall I go after those raiders? And will I catch them?" He answered, "Go after them; you will catch them and rescue the captives."

International Standard Version
David inquired of the LORD: "Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?" The LORD told David, "Pursue them! You will definitely overtake them and rescue the captives."

Majority Standard Bible
and David inquired of the LORD: ?Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?? ?Pursue them,? the LORD replied, ?for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.?

NET Bible
David inquired of the LORD, saying, "Should I pursue this raiding band? Will I overtake them?" He said to him, "Pursue, for you will certainly overtake them and carry out a rescue!"

New Heart English Bible
David inquired of the LORD, saying, "If I pursue after this troop, shall I overtake them?" He answered him, "Pursue; for you shall surely overtake them, and shall without fail recover all."

Webster's Bible Translation
And David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue; for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.

World English Bible
David inquired of Yahweh, saying, “If I pursue after this troop, will I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue, for you will surely overtake them, and will without fail recover all.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and David inquires of YHWH, saying, “I pursue after this troop—do I overtake it?” And He says to him, “Pursue, for you certainly overtake, and certainly deliver.”

Young's Literal Translation
and David asketh at Jehovah, saying, 'I pursue after this troop -- do I overtake it?' And He saith to him, 'Pursue, for thou dost certainly overtake, and dost certainly deliver.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will ask in Jehovah, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I hedge it in? and he will say, Pursue: and hedging, thou shalt hedge in, and taking away, thou shalt take away.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And David consulted the Lord, saying: Shall I pursue after these robbers, and shall I overtake them, or not? And the Lord said to him: Pursue after them: for thou shalt surely overtake them and recover the prey.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And David consulted the Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue these robbers, and will I overtake them, or not?” And the Lord said to him: “Pursue. For without doubt, you will overtake them and find the prey.”

New American Bible
David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I pursue these raiders? Can I overtake them?” The LORD answered him: Go in pursuit, for you will certainly overtake them and bring about a rescue.

New Revised Standard Version
David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I pursue this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue; for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And David inquired of the LORD, saying. Shall I pursue these raiders? Shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue; for you shall surely overtake them soon and deliver the captives.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David asked of LORD JEHOVAH and said: “Shall I pursue after this band of robbers? Will I overtake it?” And he said to him, “Pursue, because quickly you will overtake it and deliver”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And David inquired of the LORD, saying: 'Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them?' And He answered him: 'Pursue; for thou shalt surely overtake them, and shalt without fail recover all.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? and he said to him, Pursue, for thou shalt surely overtake them, and thou shalt surely rescue the captives.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Destroys the Amalekites
7Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought it to him, 8and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” 9So David and his six hundred men went to the Brook of Besor, where some stayed behind…

Cross References
Judges 20:18
The Israelites set out, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God, “Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” “Judah will be first,” the LORD replied.

Judges 20:23
They went up and wept before the LORD until evening, inquiring of Him, “Should we again draw near for battle against our brothers the Benjamites?” And the LORD answered, “Go up against them.”

Judges 20:28
and Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, served before it.) The Israelites asked, “Should we again go out to battle against our brothers the Benjamites, or should we stop?” The LORD answered, “Fight, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.”

2 Samuel 5:19
So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.”

2 Samuel 5:23-25
So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. / As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean that the LORD has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” / So David did as the LORD had commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.

1 Chronicles 14:10
So David inquired of God, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go,” replied the LORD, “for I will deliver them into your hand.”

1 Chronicles 14:14-16
So David again inquired of God, who answered him, “Do not march up after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. / As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to battle, because this will mean that God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” / So David did as God had commanded him, and they struck down the army of the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.

2 Kings 3:11
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.”

2 Kings 3:18-19
This is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD, and He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. / And you shall attack every fortified city and every city of importance. You shall cut down every good tree, stop up every spring, and ruin every good field with stones.”

2 Kings 3:24
But when the Moabites came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and attacked them, and they fled before them. So the Israelites invaded their land and struck down the Moabites.

Isaiah 30:21
And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.

Psalm 37:23
The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.

Psalm 73:24
You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory.


Treasury of Scripture

And David inquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for you shall surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.

enquired

1 Samuel 23:2,4,10-12
Therefore David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah…

Judges 20:18,23,28
And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up first…

2 Samuel 5:19,23
And David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand…

he answered him

1 Samuel 14:37
And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.

1 Samuel 28:6,15,16
And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets…

Numbers 27:21
And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

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1 Samuel 30
1. The Amalekites raid Ziklag
4. David asking counsel, is encouraged by God to pursue them
11. By the means of a received Egyptian he is brought to the enemies,
18. and recovers all the spoil
22. David's law to divide the spoil equally
26. He sends presents to his friends














and David inquired of the LORD
This phrase highlights David's reliance on divine guidance. The Hebrew root for "inquired" is "שָׁאַל" (sha'al), which means to ask or consult. In the historical context, David's inquiry signifies his dependence on God rather than his own strength or wisdom. This act of seeking God's will is a model for believers, emphasizing the importance of prayer and seeking divine direction in times of crisis.

Shall I pursue this raiding party?
David's question reflects his strategic and cautious nature. The Hebrew word for "pursue" is "רָדַף" (radaph), which implies a determined chase. Historically, David was a seasoned warrior, yet he sought God's approval before taking action. This teaches the importance of aligning our actions with God's will, even when the path seems clear.

Will I overtake them?
The word "overtake" comes from the Hebrew "נָשַׂג" (nasag), meaning to reach or catch up. David's concern was not just about pursuit but about success. This reflects a deeper trust in God's promise of victory, reminding believers that God not only guides but also ensures the fulfillment of His plans.

Pursue them
God's command to "pursue" is a direct response to David's inquiry, showing that God listens and responds to the prayers of His people. The assurance in God's command provides confidence and courage, illustrating that when God directs, He also empowers.

for you will surely overtake them
The certainty in God's promise is emphasized by the word "surely," which in Hebrew is "כִּי" (ki), often used to affirm truth. This assurance is a testament to God's faithfulness and reliability. It encourages believers to trust in God's promises, knowing that His word is unfailing.

and rescue the captives
The phrase "rescue the captives" highlights the ultimate goal of David's mission. The Hebrew root for "rescue" is "נָצַל" (natsal), meaning to deliver or save. This reflects God's heart for redemption and restoration. In a broader scriptural context, it points to the deliverance that God offers to all who are bound or oppressed, symbolizing spiritual salvation through Christ.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
and David
דָּוִ֤ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

inquired
וַיִּשְׁאַ֨ל (way·yiš·’al)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

of the LORD:
בַּֽיהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

“Should I pursue
אֶרְדֹּ֛ף (’er·dōp̄)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute

these
הַזֶּ֖ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

raiders?
הַגְּדוּד־ (hag·gə·ḏūḏ-)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1416: A band, troop

Will I overtake them?”
הַֽאַשִּׂגֶ֑נּוּ (ha·’aś·śi·ḡen·nū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5381: To reach, overtake

“Pursue
רְדֹ֔ף (rə·ḏōp̄)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute

them,”
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD replied,
לֵאמֹ֔ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“for you will surely
הַשֵּׂ֥ג (haś·śêḡ)
Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 5381: To reach, overtake

overtake them
תַּשִּׂ֖יג (taś·śîḡ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5381: To reach, overtake

and rescue the captives.”
וְהַצֵּ֥ל (wə·haṣ·ṣêl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 5337: To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver


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OT History: 1 Samuel 30:8 David inquired of Yahweh saying If (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 30:7
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